Photo imaging system including carriage and automatic image detection

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides a self-contained imaging device that takes digital photographs of portions of documents (such as photos or photoalbums) instead of scanning those images. The imaging device uses a lens to zoom in on specific portions of the document that represent images that are to be digitized. Generally speaking, disclosed embodiments utilize a physical device having a housing, a location for retaining or holding an image to be imaged, such as a platen or image conveyance mechanism, a light source and the imaging system (which can be a digital camera). The disclosed device camera provides a low-cost mechanism that can at-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associated with most scanners.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/671,392, which was filed on Jul. 13, 2012 on behalf of inventorsSai-Wai Fu, Rolf Breuer, Christian Collins, Cris Delos Reyes and EricMuzzi for “Photo Imaging Systems And Related Methods.” This priorprovisional application is hereby incorporated by reference as thoughidentically set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Many people have family photos, newspaper clippings and other archivesthey wish to digitize, so that they may preserve these thingsindefinitely. To service this need, businesses have developed thatspecialize in volume digitization of these materials, often providingthe individual (“consumer”) with an optical disc (CD, DVD, BD) or otherdigital storage containing digitized files. Services provided by thesebusinesses are typically expensive; that is, these photos, clippings andother archives typically vary greatly in physical size and imagequality, necessitating a highly manual process or undesirable imagequality. In addition, it may be cumbersome to physically remove photosmounted on photoalbum pages, and therefore, it is conventional whenscanning photo albums to scan each page separately (using a fixedresolution), instead of each photograph. While book scanners can also beused, these scanners are typically designed for pages of uniform sizeand are not geared to high quality image duplication (e.g., color imageduplication). Generally speaking, scanner technology represented bythese processes tends to be slow, which also drives up cost.

Several further general problems characterize these services. First,because scanning large volumes of dissimilar materials (includingphotoalbum pages) typically requires extensive manual effort, photos andother materials are typically physically shipped to a location wherethis will be performed; this type of shipping is often performed on atransparent basis, e.g., a photo shop might hire a subcontractor serviceprovider to perform these digitization services, with turnaround timebeing weeks or months, and both this delay (and the transparentoutsourcing and related privacy issues) may be undesirable. Second, someconsumers may require higher quality digitization for select images;unfortunately, quality is difficult to understand in this context, i.e.,scanning services are typically associated with a quality metric ofdots-per-square-inch (“DPSI”). The difficulty in understanding thismetric makes making it difficult for consumers to comprehend tradeoffsbetween quality levels and associated pricing. For example, a firstphoto having small physical size and scanned at relatively highresolution may have quality inferior to a second, larger-size photoscanned at relatively low resolution. Third, related to this problem, itmay be difficult for conventional scanner technology to produce an imagequality that is high enough to meet consumer requirements.

What is needed is a digitization technology that addresses theaforementioned problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates methods associated with the imagingsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows imaging components of the imaging system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B shows an alternative document feed mechanism in a firstposition.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating the alternative document feedmechanism of FIG. 3B in a second position.

FIG. 4 an optional design where image quality is converted to metricindependent of hardcopy dimensions.

FIGS. 5A-5C collectively represent a single FIGURE, broken acrossseveral drawing pages, that depicts a workflow associated with localimaging kiosks. That is, FIG. 5A contains a first portion 501 of theworkflow, FIG. 5B contains a second portion 503 of the workflow, andFIG. 5C contains a third portion 505 of the workflow.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram that shows two differentimplementations of a kiosk-based imaging system, including in a retailstore environment (represented by box 613 at the left side of FIG. 6)and as part of a “cloud-based” implementation, represented by numerals617 and 619 at the right side of FIG. 6.

The invention defined by the enumerated claims may be better understoodby referring to the following detailed description, which should be readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This description of oneor more particular embodiments, set out below to enable one to build anduse various implementations of the invention or inventions set forth bythe claims, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but toexemplify their application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

The description set out below exemplifies an imaging product, serviceand method (e.g., adapted for home, retail store or service provideruse) that takes digital photographs of images instead of scanning thoseimages. Generally speaking, embodiments presented below utilize aphysical device having a housing, a location for retaining, holding orotherwise mounting an image to be digitized, such as a platen or imageconveyance mechanism, a light source and an imaging system. Instead ofan image scanner with a fixed “dots per inch” output, the imaging systemis predicated on a digital camera or other equivalent device (i.e.,having an image capture component and lens/focus capability) thatproduces a fixed resolution of megapixels that consumers easilyunderstand. The digital camera provides a low-cost mechanism that canat-once capture a high resolution image without the delays associatedwith most scanners.

Optionally, the imaging product is configured as a kiosk adapted forin-store use, particularly for retail chains which implement a regionalimage digitization program or participate with one or more serviceproviders which provide image processing services. Optionally, such akiosk includes imaging software and a LCD screen which provides previewsof captured images, and allows a consumer (or retail store employee) toselect desired quality levels and other services. Examples of theseservices and capabilities will be provided below.

It should be appreciated that using a digital camera or equivalentmechanism (e.g., CCD or CMOS imaging chip and lens mechanism) providesfor quick image capture. This usage also facilitates capturing onlyselect images in a manner typically not requiring removal from acompilation. For example, for a consumer that wishes to digitize imagesin a photo album, the imaging system permits quick image capture anddisplay of each album page or any desired component thereof.Advantageously, the imaging product (e.g., kiosk) may be equipped with adrive mechanism that provides relative movement between the target imageand the optical axis used for image capture, by moving the target image,part or all of a lens assembly, or the image capture system itself. Inone embodiment, a digital camera is mounted to a carriage that providesfor x-y coordinate movement within the housing, to permit the digitalcamera to move relative to any desired image; once in place, the lens iscontrolled so as to select only the image for which digitization is tobe desired. To support such a drive system, the imaging product includesa CPU and control software sufficient to generate preview images, enableimage selection, and trigger high quality image capture; in onecontemplated implementation, this software also includes (i) automaticimage identification software, (ii) software that controls the imagingproduct (e.g., moves the camera) to automatically focus in on andcapture identified target images, (iii) image processing software togenerate “clean” images, for example, with appropriate balance and colorcorrection, and other enhancement, and (iv) software implementing a userinterface for consumer selection of options. More details regardingspecifically contemplated embodiments will be presented below.

The imaging product introduced above provides a number of advantagesrelative to conventional scanning products. First, it provides alow-cost, small footprint mechanism that can be distributed for retailor home use. Second, it provides for image digitization services where aconsumer can have photos or other materials digitized in real-time, thatis, without having to send personal and valuable materials to an unknownthird part for weeks at a time; whereas scanners can take minutes perpage, the disclosed technology is near instantaneous. Third, thetechnology permits bundling of additional services such as localhardcopy print, custom book or photoalbum publication, and otherfeatures. Fourth, it provides a mechanism where photoalbums and othercompilations can be easily imaged to produce high quality images withoutpainstaking labor associated with manually removing images from thealbum or other compilation. And fifth, conventional scanners also oftenprovide a limited depth of field, typically less than 0.5 inch; via theuse of lens-based optics, the technology presented by this disclosurecan accommodate varying depths of field.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of an imaging system 101. The imagingsystem is a self-contained unit having a housing 103, a conveyance pathor target location where hardcopy materials are to be imaged 105, alight source 107, and an imaging system 113. The imaging system can be adigital camera, comprising a digital image capture device (such as aCCD, CMOS imaging chip or other mechanism) and a lens or other zoom andfocus mechanism 115. The light source directs light onto the material tobe imaged at an angle that will not cause substantial reflection orglare at the point of image capture, as indicated by arrows 109. The litimage is then captured along an optical axis, represented by arrow 111.

Control over the various components, including optional automated imageidentification, segmentation and capture (including focus and zoom) isprovided by a CPU, optionally accompanied by a display unit (representby the acronym “Disp”) 119. In one embodiment, the imaging system can bea commercial, standalone digital camera (itself having a CPU and controlsoftware) and the CPU/Display 119 can provide system level control andautomation over the digital camera via a control port of the camera. Theimaging system includes on board memory, such as DRAM or nonvolatilememory (e.g. flash memory) 121. This on-board memory is used to storecaptured, digitized images, at least on a transitory basis; in oneembodiment, the imaging product comprises at least two gigabytes of suchmemory.

FIG. 1 also shows various optional features, represented by dashedlines, provided by the CPU/display system 119. For example, asindicated, control software for the imaging product can provide forauto-image detection (123); consumers or store employees can also beprovided with manual control (125) over the image capture process, forexample, by using the CPU/display system 119 to identify, zoom-in on,crop, and otherwise select a suitable target image. In addition, theCPU/display system 119 in one embodiment also controls a drive systemthat provides the relative movement introduced earlier, by permittingselection of different images for example within a photoalbum, by x-yvariation (127) of the optical axis via which a target image will becaptured. As indicated, the CPU can also provide for provide for zoomand autofocus capabilities (129) and control over the imaging device(e.g., array control), for example, to select different quality levels(megapixels) and so forth (131).

To further enhance rapid digitization services, the imaging product canalso include an automatic document feeder (133) or a manual documentfeeder or platen unit (135). These features will be discussed furtherbelow, but it should be noted that the use of automatic imageidentification and capture, coupled with an automatic feeder system thataccommodates photos, photoalbum pages and other forms of “compilations,”provides for rapid, high-volume, high quality image capture services. Ifdesired, these features can be blended with online services. Forexample, in one contemplated implementation, imaging products such asrepresented by FIG. 1 (e.g., kiosks) can be distributed in retailstores, with digitized images being stored “in the cloud;” that is, aconsumer can digitize images such as family photos, keep those images,and receive a URL where digital copies are stored as part of a receipt.The consumer can then, via the internet, either immediately or at alater time, select, delete and modify services. To this end, the imagingproduct itself can be designed to have built-in LAN or WAN capabilities(137) and can have a customer interface (139) that provides for directordering of services and/or network connectivity. Finally, as indicatedby numerals 141, 143 and 145, in some embodiments, the imaging productcan have a built-in printer to locally print hard copy images such asphotos, binding and publishing hardware, for example to enable aconsumer to create and print custom, bound photoalbums, or provide otheron-line services.

FIG. 2 is a diagram 201 that illustrates methods associated with theimaging system of FIG. 1. In particular, an automated document feeder203 can be used to assist with the preparation 205 of photos, photoalbumpages or other materials that are to be imaged. Via a display device, aconsumer or retail store employee selects photos or pages that are to beimaged, per numeral 207. If desired, the imaging system as introducedabove can provide for automatic image detection or, alternatively, canprovide for manual image selection, per numeral 209. If an automatedimage detection is used, then as indicated by dashed line (optional)blocks 211 and 213, software can be configured to automatically captureimages at multiple levels of abstraction (e.g., page, section of page,image within page, text and image within section of page, image withinimage, and so forth). As indicated by numerals 215 and 217, an imagingsystem is automatically controlled to vary the axis of image captureselectively in “x” and “y” directions, to thereby select specific imageswithin a document; the image capture device (e.g., a digital camera)then zooms in on and captures only the selected images, effectivelynormalizing that image to the abilities of the image sensor. Thisselection may be enhanced by providing for variable quality selection,and manual control over zoom adjustment provided by the lens of theimaging system, as represented by numerals 219 and 221. For example, aconsumer may wish to have a hardcopy photo translated into a “10megapixel” image—the imaging product and its associated control softwaremay be configured so as to permit selection of a specific quality level(e.g., 10 megapixels) with associated control over the amount of datacaptured and/or the camera zoom. Alternatively, quality can becontrolled post-capture, e.g., by capturing a high resolution image, andthen downscaling image quality to the desired resolution.

Numerals 223, 225 and 227 refer to optional features that may beprovided for either the consumer or trained personnel (e.g., in-storepersonnel assigned to operate an imaging kiosk). First, as mentioned, adisplay (e.g., an LCD) can be used to preview captured images and makeadjustments. As will be further explained below, the imaging system canalso provide polarization control, for example, to eliminate glare, orfor adjustment of light intensity, color or angle. Provision of thesefeatures permits use of an imaging product (such as introduced withreference to FIG. 1) by photo specialty shops, which can provideexperience-based, enhancement services that are complementary to thecapabilities of the imaging product.

Once the imaging process is completed for a page, photo, or othercompilation, the ADF 203 is then used to position a next set of imagesfor image capture, and the process then repeats per numeral 229. Whenthere are no more images to be captured, the entire digitization projectcan be uploaded or burned to local media, per numeral 231. For example,the project can be uploaded to a “cloud-based” service, as mentionedpreviously, or the imaging kiosk can be bundled with an optical disc(CD, DVD, BD) recorder, or other means for transferring digitized imagesto tangible, non-transitory media, e.g., for the consumer to take home.

FIG. 3A shows a detail view of one embodiment 301 of an imaging system.Notably, many photo albums hold photos in place with a clear film thatcover each entire page. Over time (e.g., years), this film wrinkles anddevelops a wavy surface that creates unwanted reflections when the albumpage is photographed (e.g., using a flash or another light source). Asit is often desired to avoid removing individual photos from the page,the embodiment seen in FIG. 301 provides a mechanism to reduce orcompletely eliminate reflections caused by the above mentionedtransparent film.

The embodiment 301 of FIG. 3A employ a controlled light source, providespolarization control and uses a diffuser, as discussed below. As withthe embodiments discussed above, this embodiment includes a platen orother retention mechanism defines a plane of image capture; in the caseof FIG. 3A, it should be assumed that a transparent surface such as thefilm just mentioned is present, represented by numeral 303. This filmpartially or entirely covers a target image, represented by numeral 305.The target image is illuminated by two LED array light sources 307 a/307b.

A diffuser 309 in front of the light source 307 a/307 b is used to avoidhot spots and sparkle artifacts entering the camera lens 319. Pointedlight emanating from individual light sources in the LED arrays 307a/307 b is therefore spread out over a wide area, eliminating hotspots.In addition, the light source is controlled for angle of incidence.Placing the light source 307 a/307 b at a certain angle measured fromthe center of the target image 305 at the side of the imaging areareduces the chance of reflections off the wavy film surface entering thecamera lens 319. FIG. 3 shows this angle being between a minimum of 10degrees (315 a) and a maximum of 45 degrees (315 b), with numeral 313representing a zero angle of incidence.

A first polarizing filter 311 is placed just in front of the lightsource 307 a/307 b and a complementary second polarizing filter 321 isalso placed just in front of the camera lens 319. The second filter 321is rotated to “dial-out” reflections. This polarization scheme can beset at time of manufacture, or can be made adjustable during operation,e.g., using electromechanical actuation that is either automaticallycontrolled by the CPU (from FIG. 1) or from a user-interface on theoutside of the imaging product.

As noted by numerals 323 and 325. In one embodiment, the LED arrays 307a/307 b can be mounted to a chassis 323 (e.g., within a housing of theimaging device, along with the image capture device 317), with thechassis being driven to selectively vary the optical axis in “x” and “y”coordinates so as to effect image selection and capture. That is, adigital camera (represented by elements 317, 319 and 321) can be mountedin fixed relation to the light sources with all of these things beingmoved to accommodate each image in a document (e.g., on a photoalbumpage) to effectuate high quality image capture. A first, low resolutionof a document (e.g., a photoalbum page) can be taken and used for imageidentification, with the camera and light source then beingautomatically and sequentially moved to each location to capture eachimage as desired. As indicated by arrows 327 and 329, a document feeder(automatic or manual) can permit feeding of photoalbum pages or othermaterials that are to be digitized.

FIGS. 3B and 3C are illustrative diagrams showing an alternativedocument feed mechanism, in first and second positions, respectively.That is, FIGS. 3B and 3C show a document feed mechanism that permits afirst set of multiple target images to be automatically captured asindicated above; while those images are being captured, a successorimaging location can be manually loaded with a second set of multipletarget images for automatic capture following the first set. Such amechanism further facilitates high-volume digital imaging, and may helpfurther lower the cost of digitization products. More specifically, afirst position is represented in FIG. 3B by numeral 351, with an imagingarea divided into plural target image locations (such as two locations,359 and 361). In FIG. 3B, the first of these locations 359 is seen aspositioned directly over the imaging system, represented by numeral 353.While the first location is being imaged, a second location 361 can beloaded with a second set of target images or pages as mentioned. Whenimage capture of the first set is complete, a platen or other imagemounting device 355 is then moved as indicated by directional arrows 357so as to position the second imaging area over the imaging system 353.This second position is represented by FIG. 3C, and is labeled usingnumeral 371.

FIG. 4 provides additional detail on a method of providing digitizationservices or image capture service to a consumer which avoids some of theconfusion mentioned earlier. In providing digitizing service for stillimages from prints, existing scanner technology typically uses a fixedcapture resolution per inch, which in turn produces an outputdescription of “dots per inch” which can be confusing to users. Whiletranslation tables can permit customers to translate from “dots perinch” to “megapixels depending on print size,” it is still difficult fora consumer to understand whether there is sufficient resolution for theconsumer's needs, or excessive resolution (leading to unnecessarilylarge digital files).

This problem is exacerbated when a self-service digitizing service isoffered inside a retail store. In a self-service environment, theservice typically should be intuitive. Consumers have an expectation ofa fixed resolution measured by megapixels, and a table of translationfrom “dots per inch” to “megapixels” is almost certainly too complicatedto communicate. By using a digital camera with zoom technology tocapture images within a larger print or photoalbum, for example, aselected image is inherently scaled to the size of the array of theimage capture device, expressed in terms of megapixels. This thenprovides an immediately quality metric usable by the consumer. In oneembodiment, therefore, this metric is directly selectable by theconsumer, with the imaging device using control over (a) operatingparameters of the array (e.g., 8 megapixels versus 24 megapixels), (b)post-capture digital filtering of digital image resolution (e.g.,downconverting 24 megapixels to 8 megapixels), (c) discriminationbetween multiple image capture device (e.g., multiple CCDs, or multiplealternative digital cameras mounted within the imaging product) or (d)other parameters, so as to vary the amount of captured digital data.

This is expressed in part by FIG. 4. Numeral 401 represents a generalmethod of digitization where an image is first acquired by a digitalcamera or equivalent, per numeral 403. The image and image size can begraphically displayed to the consumer or a retail store employee, pernumeral 405, for example, via an LCD screen. Per numeral 407, imagequality is expressed in hardcopy-independent units, that is, inmegapixels or another metric that is not dependent on the physicaldimensions of the material being digitized. A consumer then makes aselection, per numeral 409; if desired, the displayed image can bere-rendered to reflect the selected image quality, and accompanied by aprice (if used in connection with a service bureau for digitizationservices). Finally, once the user confirms the selection, the capturedimage can be output, for example, uploaded, produced in hardcopy,written to disc or other non-transitory media, or otherwise output.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are use to describe service bureau implementations andoptions, for example, methods of doing business based on the technologyintroduced above. As mentioned, one embodiment provides the imagingproduct in the form of a digitizing kiosk, which for example can beinstalled in retail stores such as drug stores, membership clubs, photospecialty shops and other locations. The kiosk can be predicated on thedesign of the imaging product seen in FIG. 1, and can be configured foreither direct consumer use or for operation by a store employee. Forexample, a consumer can deliver photos to a photo counter at a storeduring shopping and can later retrieve the photos at time of departure.A kiosk such as described above, permits retail stores to directly offerhigh quality digitization services, that is without having to shipphotos and other materials to a remote destination for scanning. FIG. 5exemplifies the workflow that might be presented to a retail storeemployee or to a consumer operating a self-service kiosk. FIG. 5 isdivided into three subfigures, 5A-5C, broken across several drawingpages; FIG. 5A contains a first portion 501 of the workflow, FIG. 5Bcontains a second portion 503 of the workflow, and FIG. 5C contains athird portion 505 of the workflow.

FIG. 6 is used to explain a number of business models that can be usedin concert with the workflow of FIG. 5. That is, as depicted by numeral601, an in-store kiosk 603 can be used to provide local digitizationservices. As indicated by numerals 605, 607 and 609, such a serviceprovides the benefits of (1) local retention of the originals (e.g., theconsumer can take them home at the end of the day, or can superviseimaging to alleviate privacy concerns), (2) without having to dismantlea photoalbum or remove individual photos from album pages. The in-storekiosk operates in the manner described either, that is with suitablecontrol over lighting and image capture, to automatically yieldhigh-quality digital images. If desired, quality level can be madeselective to the consumer as described earlier. Advantageously, thein-store kiosk either possesses or is coupled to a computer interfacethat permits the consumer or a store employee to select services andhave those services automatically performed.

FIG. 6 presents two different business models, generally represented bynumerals 613 and 617, respectively. That is, as indicated by numeral613, the retail store (or the kiosk) can provide image reproductionfeatures, publication services such as custom book design and real-timebinding and printing services, and other digital media services. Toillustrate several examples, in one embodiment, a consumer can view acapture image, have that image enhanced, and obtain (e.g., purchase) ahigh quality image hardcopy on photographic paper. The image may havecolor correction, gamma correction, noise reduction, or other forms ofimage processing performed real-time to create that hardcopy. On theother hand, the consumer might desire to obtain a bound book of photos;once the photos are digitized, the consumer can subjectively lay thesephotos out, add captions and other features. The kiosk (and/or otherlocal services) can provide for a local machine print and binding orother publication of a custom book, calendar, etc. Finally, as indicatedby numeral 615, if the user simply wants digitized copies of images,digitization may be performed (e.g., in bulk if desired) with digitizedimages burned on-site to create an optical disc (CD, DVD, BD) or otherdigital copy of images, which the consumer then takes home.

Numeral 617 represents a cloud-based services model. That is, images canbe transferred via a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., such as via theInternet) to an on-line site, “in the cloud.” The consumer can thenselect either using the kiosk's interface or from the comfort of theconsumer's home a suite of services, with payment being made via theInternet. For example, as represented by numerals 619, 621 and 623, theconsumer can have secure mass storage services provided for his or hermedia, online, in a manner associated with a secure consumer account.The consumer can then selectively share that media, or can add, deleteor modify services provided via the “cloud.” The consumer can also use aweb interface of the services provider to edit (e.g. crop, enhance orotherwise process) images, and observe corrected images in real time.Whether provided for free or for an extra fee, the consumer can then beallowed to selectively download high resolution images, or obtain maildelivery of hardcopy images, such as high quality prints, books or othermaterials, all as introduced earlier.

CONCLUSION

It should be apparent that by providing a low cost imaging technologybased on digital cameras, the technology provided above greatlyfacilitates the ease of which photos, photoalbums and other materialscan be digitized. That is, digitization services can be performed withreduced privacy concerns and without requiring consumers to part withvaluable originals for weeks on-end. In addition, by providing aspecific imaging device, with a footprint comparable to conventionaloffice printers, the technology presented above permits widespreadinstantiation of digitization services at a wide variety of retaillocations. For those locations unwilling or unable to provide supportservices (e.g., printing of photographs), kiosks can either be madeself-contained or made to automatically interface with “cloud-based”services accessible to the consumer at any time.

What has been described is a set of methods and systems design tofacilitate low cost digitization of materials, particular photoalbumsand other compilations of materials. Other applications will readilyoccur to those who design electronics or software in view of theteachings provided above, or in view of the invention defined by theclaims set forth below. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion isintended to be illustrative only; other designs, uses, alternatives,modifications and improvements are also possible which are nonethelesswithin the scope of the present disclosure, which is limited and definedonly by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. A digitizing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a mechanismoperable to mount a document; a drive mechanism; a light source withinthe housing, the light source adapted to illuminate the document; animaging system within the housing, the imaging system comprising digitalcamera including an image sensor, a lens, and a processor that executesan automatic image identification routine and an automatic positioningroutine, the image sensor adapted to digitally capture a portion of thedocument wherein the portion is less than entire portion, wherein theautomatic image identification routine when executed automaticallylocates a plurality of separate images in the document, and select afirst individual image from among the located images followed by asecond different individual image from among the located images, whereinthe automatic image identification routine when executed automaticallycontrols the drive mechanism to position the digital camera over theselected first individual image to enable capture of an first image andthen controls the drive mechanism to position the digital camera overthe selected second individual image to enable capture of a seconddifferent image; and wherein the automatic positioning routine whenexecuted automatically adjusts zoom of the digital camera to capturejust a respective selected individual image which comprises a selectedportion and wherein the document comprises a single page, the lensadapted to provide zoom operable to select the selected portion of thedocument; and the drive mechanism responsive to the positioning routinethat includes a carriage for adjustably positioning the digital camerarelative to a mounted document or the document relative to the digitalcamera in a plane normal to an optical axis of the digital cameraincluding adjustably positioning in both an x and y axis defined by theplane.
 2. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, where the document is afirst document and the digitizing apparatus further comprises a documentfeeder, the document feeder operable to exchange a second document forthe first document, the digitizing apparatus operable to retain andimage the second document.
 3. The digitizing apparatus of claim 2, wherethe document feeder is an automatic document feeder, the automaticdocument feeder operable to automatically exchange the second documentfor the first document.
 4. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe automatic positioning routine includes a control mechanism operableto control the imaging system responsive to the automatic detection ofimages, the control mechanism operable to manipulate one of the documentor the digital camera so that an optical axis of image capture of thedigital camera is in alignment with a detected image within the documentand wherein once manipulated, the lens is automatically manipulated tozoom in or out on the detected image, wherein the detected image doesnot occupy an entire portion of the document and wherein the controlmechanism is operable to select the detected image as the selectedportion.
 5. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the automaticimage identification routine includes a detector for automaticallydetecting an image that is included in a first portion of the documentand wherein the document is a single page and includes plural portionseach including less than an entire portion of the document, and whereinthe drive mechanism is operable to automatically adjust positioning ofthe carriage to manipulate in two axes defining a plane at least one ofthe digital camera or the document wherein the plane is normal to theoptical axis so as to be able to capture just the first portion withoutcapturing other portions of the plurality of portions of the document.6. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, where the image sensor includesa charge coupled device.
 7. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherethe image sensor includes a CMOS sensor.
 8. The digitizing apparatus ofclaim 1, where the light source comprises at least one array of LEDs. 9.The digitizing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a diffuseroperatively mounted in an optical path between the at least one array ofLEDs and the document.
 10. The digitizing apparatus of claim 9, furthercomprising a polarizing filter operatively mounted in the optical path.11. The digitizing apparatus of claim 10, where the polarizing filter isa first polarizing filter, and where the digitizing apparatus furthercomprises a second polarizing filter mounted along an optical axis ofimage capture between the document and the image sensor, the secondpolarizing filter adapted to provide polarization different thanpolarization provided by the first polarizing filter.
 12. The digitizingapparatus of claim 11, where at least one of the first polarizing filteror the second polarizing filter operable to permit variation ofcorresponding polarization, so as to permit adjustment of light filteredby the combination of the first polarization filter and the secondpolarization filter.
 13. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising non-transitory digital storage comprising at least twogigabytes of storage, the non-transitory digital storage operative tostore digital files representing images digitized by the digitizingapparatus.
 14. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, further comprisingan external user interface mounted by the housing, the external userinterface adapted to provide for user control over zoom provided by thelens.
 15. The digitizing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aprinter, the printer adapted to print local reproductions of imagescaptured by the digitizing apparatus.
 16. The digitizing apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a network adapter and a processor, theprocessor operative to transmit captured images to a remote networkdestination via the network adapter.
 17. The digitizing apparatus ofclaim 16, where the remote network destination is a web site of a thirdparty service provider.